Special Events & Opportunities
Special Events & Opportunities
FIRST Student Program
You’ve determined the right profession for you and now you want to explore all it has to offer. There is no better way to do this than to attend IFT’s FIRST--food improved by science, research, and technology--virtual event. From the location of your choosing, you can immerse yourself and fully explore, network, and learn surrounded by students and professionals just like you who are advancing the science of food. Student scholarships are available!
Don't miss our Student Primer on Friday, July 9 at 11:00 am CT to learn all about the FIRST student program and how you can get the most out your FIRST virtual event experience.
IFTSA Global Summit
Bringing the world’s food science students together in one meeting. Recordings of past events are available now.
IFTSA 2021 Virtual Area Meeting Event
On-demand Sessions
This year, the IFT Area Meetings switched to a virtual experience! It was a great success, and we are in the process of making the sessions available to you on demand, including our keynote address, The Role of Food Science in the World of Food and Media, will be presented by Rosemary Trout, PhD of Drexel University.
Rosemary Trout, DHSc
Program Director and Assistant Clinical Professor of Culinary Arts & Food Science
Drexel University
Rosemary Trout teaches and writes laboratory exercises for food science, food microbiology, food composition and sensory analysis courses. She has done research in antioxidant properties of fruit juices, chocolate sensory appeal, and has had funded research on food sustainability and reduction in food waste-centered curriculum development with colleagues through the James Beard Foundation and new dairy-based food product development and sensory analysis for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Trout has been an invited speaker most recently at Monell Chemical Senses Center, Rutgers University and at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School Culinary Medicine group.
Most recently, Trout is the featured food scientist @epicurious.com in over 60 episodes of “4 Levels,” “Answered By Experts, FAQ” and “Ingredient Swap” and has appeared in several videos for Bon Appetit, such as “Making Perfect” and “Molly Tries” with over 200 Million views combined. She has also been featured on NPR’s Radio Times with Mary Cummings-Jordan, in Philadelphia Magazine and Reader’s Digest.
All times listed are in Central Time.
4 p.m. |
PD 101 |
5 p.m. |
Area Meeting Product Development Challenge |
5 p.m. |
Chapter Advisor Social |
6–7 p.m. |
IFTSA Social: iEscape Virtual Escape room |
All times listed are in Central Time.
9–11 a.m. |
IFTSA Student Social |
10–10:45 a.m. |
Welcome to IFTSA |
11 a.m.–12 p.m. |
Opening Keynote |
12–1 p.m. |
Connections Break |
1–2 p.m. |
Careers in Food Panel |
2:15–3:15 p.m. |
Should I get a PhD? |
2:15–3:15 p.m. |
Anatomy of a Resume |
3:30–4:30 p.m. |
Future Food Talks |
5–6 p.m. |
IFTSA Closing Session and Social |
IFTSA’s eight areas are each hosting a social for students in their area as well as anyone who wants to join. Plan on joining during the following times to hear what the IFTSA Chapters from these areas have been up to this year as well as network with those on the call. For details, including any special speakers that have been invited, visit the Area’s card in the event site.
Times listed are in each area’s primary time zone.
North Central
|
Friday, April 9 | 6:30–8:30 p.m. (CT) |
Southeast
|
Tuesday, April 13 | 6–8 p.m. (ET) |
Midwest
|
Wednesday, April 14 | 6–8 p.m. (CT) |
South Central
|
Wednesday, April 14 | 7–9 p.m. (CT) |
Central Atlantic
|
Thursday, April 15 | 6–8 p.m. (ET) |
North Atlantic
|
Friday, April 16 | 7–9 p.m. (ET) |
Pacific Northwest
|
TBD |
Pacific Southwest
|
TBD |
IFT members are able to connect with peers around the globe, through IFT Connect, IFT’s online community site. Participate in interest-based discussion boards and topical division groups, ask questions, solve problems, and make invaluable connections through the online directory.
IFT regional sections offer invaluable, in-person experiences to gain insights and network with food professionals in your area. Learn more about IFT sections.
Members are able to join IFT's interest-based groups (called divisions) of their choice. With over 24 divisions to choose from, you will be joining a robust and engaged community of peers representing over 76 countries. Not a member yet? No problem, you can join online today.